Pregnancy: The Dental Connection!

Several changes occur in a woman's body during pregnancy to say the least. Hormonal fluctuations are responsible for many of those changes, including the need for additional attention to the teeth and gums.  Women who are expecting are at an increased risk for oral health complications, including gingivitis and tooth decay, which can lead to tooth loss.  Fortunately, there are steps that pregnant women can take to keep their teeth and gums in optimal health from the first trimester to delivery day!

AT-HOME DENTAL CARE

At-home dental care should not vary much from what you did prior to pregnancy. Brushing two minutes twice daily and flossing will continue to keep harmful bacteria from causing dental problems like gum disease and decay.

DENTAL CHECKUPS

It is safe and recommended to continue regular dental checkups and cleanings during pregnancy. However, it is very important to inform us about an existing pregnancy.  Special steps are taken to protect your baby, however, avoiding teeth cleanings during pregnancy can lead to serious consequences such as advanced tooth decay and infection.

FOOD AND CRAVINGS

There's no secret that pregnancy can cause a woman to crave specific foods.  Sugary treats like candy, cookies, or carbonated soft drinks may satisfy a sweet tooth, but that can also cause dental problems when consumed frequently.  An attempt should be made to try and trade out these treats for naturally sweet fruits when possible, and never forget to rinse thoroughly with water immediately after consuming sugar-filled foods in order to dilute the acid concentration that develops in the mouth.  And, of course, brush your teeth, but it is recommended to wait about 30 minutes after consuming sweets.

COMPLICATIONS

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of oral health problems during pregnancy is very important. An early diagnosis usually translates to an easier, less-invasive treatment.  Symptoms of potential problems include gums that easily bleed or are swollen, reddened, or painful.  These are symptoms of gingivitis, which can lead to a receding gum line or tooth loss if left untreated for the during of a pregnancy.

If you have any questions or are in need of an appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,
DRT

Life Long Teeth Whitening: The Dental Connection!

Have you ever noticed your attention being instantly drawn to peoples' teeth when they smile at you? Some people have dull and yellowing teeth, while others have teeth that appear bright white.  Everyone's teeth naturally dull over time because of aging and the contact that your teeth have with staining foods, such as chocolate, tea and coffee.  However, teeth-whitening treatments can help you keep your teeth white for life. Check out these tips to learn more!

GET REGULAR TREATMENTS

The effects of teeth whitening or bleaching treatments are only temporary, so regular treatments are necessary to keep your teeth white for life.  However, bleaching too frequently, can wear away your tooth enamel.  The effects of in-office bleaching can last for several months to a year, while you may need to repeat your use of at-home bleaching kits every few months to maintain your white teeth.  Whitening toothpastes do not contain bleach, so you can use them daily.

HAVE REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS

Not everyone's teeth can be turned bright white, according to the American Dental Association. Your teeth may naturally be a light yellowish color that lends itself well to teeth-whitening procedures, but bleach is not likely to be as effective for grayish teeth.  Brownish teeth fall somewhere in between.

PRACTICE GOOD ORAL HYGIENE

Your teeth whitening efforts will not be as effective if your teeth are in poor health.  Visible fillings, implants, or bridges that are metallic, stand out against the white color you want to achieve.  You can help prevent tooth decay and reduce your risk of needing these unsightly treatments by maintaining a good oral hygiene routine.  In addition to brushing your teeth two minutes twice daily to remove bacteria and potential staining agents, the following actions can also promote a healthy mouth.

• Floss every day
• Visit our office regularly
• Rinse your mouth with water after each meal and snack
• Limit sugary and starchy foods and beverages, especially between meals

If you have any questions or are in need of an appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,

DRT

Teens: The Dental Connection!

You have a lot more freedom as a teenager than you did as a young child. You also have a lot more responsibilities, and one of your jobs is to take care of your teeth.  Developing and maintaining good oral health habits now can provide you with a lifetime of great dental health!

As a teenager, the risk for tooth decay can increase. In fact, 59% of all patients aged 12-19 develop at least one cavity.  Keeping your teeth brushed two minutes twice daily and flossing can reduce the risk for decay. If you do suspect a cavity, most times, early treatment can prevent the area from becoming a much more serious dental problem.  Delaying treatment usually results in a severely damaged tooth, which may need to be treated with a root canal or an extraction.

Other steps can be taken to prevent tooth decay when you are at school or just hanging out with your friends, such as carrying a bottle of water around with you so you can take a sip after you eat any kind of food, or you can choose water instead of pop or sports drinks.

Finally, although many teens are very aware of the health risks associated with the use of any form of tobacco, most young adults do not know that tobacco causes bad breath, gum disease, cavities, teeth staining and can even slow the healing from injuries.

If you have any questions or are in need of a dental appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,
DRT

Diabetes: The Dental Connection!

People who have diabetes are usually familiar with many of the other health risks that they face, including damage to nerves, eyes, heart, and kidneys.  But did you know that if you have diabetes, you also have a much greater chance of developing gum disease?  It's true, and like other diseases related to diabetes, the risk potential and the severity of gum disease is directly related to how well blood sugar is controlled.

The Causes

In diabetics, there are two primary mechanisms that increase the risk of developing gum disease, also called periodontal disease:

• Bacterial growth: Bacteria love sugar including the glucose found in blood and bodily fluids.  Elevated levels of sugar in saliva can provide a very hospitable environment for bacterial growth.  The risk may be elevated if your gums bleed.
• Circulatory changes: In diabetes, the blood vessels become thick, making it more difficult for blood to carry oxygen to the gums and to carry away harmful waste products. This decrease in circulation can weaken the mouth's resistance to decay.  If you smoke, circulation can become even more compromised, significantly increasing your risk of periodontal disease.

Preventing Gum Disease

If you're diabetic, the number-one key to preventing gum disease is to make sure that you can do all that you can do to keep your blood sugar under control.  In fact, studies show that diabetics who have excellent control of their blood sugar levels, have no more risk for gum disease than those who don't have diabetes.  Here are some other tips to keep your gums healthy:

• Floss your teeth gently, curving the floss so it can reach just below your gum line to remove plaque and food particles.  
• Brush two minutes twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush, using small circular motions.
• Brush your tongue to remove germs that can hide there.
• Use an anti-bacterial mouthwash to kill germs that are hard to reach.

Finally and most importantly for your dental health, maintain your regular dental check-ups to monitor the impact of diabetes on your oral health!  If you have any questions, or are in need of an appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,

DRT

Old Toothbrushes: The Dental Connection!

Although it is recommended to replace your worn-out, germy toothbrush with a new one every three months, most people either forget or resist getting rid of something that is still "working."  Maybe if they had a few ideas for putting that old toothbrush to good use, more people would follow the recommended replacement sequence.   To encourage good oral practices, take a look at these 10 fun things that you can do with your used toothbrush.

1.  Let your five-year-old budding Da Vinci create a masterpiece with some paint and your old toothbrush.

2.  Scrub oily areas on your face with your toothbrush.  The bristles are perfect for removing embedded dirt and oil that clogs pores.

3.  Pamper your hamster by brushing his fur with an old toothbrush.

4.  Dab a bit of Vaseline on the bristles and comb your eyelashes; instant glamour!  Got dry, flaky lips? Slough away by using a toothbrush on your lips.

5.  Remove the bristles: instant small plant stakes!

6.  Old toothbrushes are great for spot-cleaning just about anything.

7.  When nobody is around to scratch an unreachable itch on your back, turn that old toothbrush into your personal backscratcher.

8.  Is your dog's breath so bad that all of the houseplants have died?  Try brushing his teeth with your old toothbrush so that his kisses and breath are more tolerable.

9.  Give your fish the cleanest tank in the neighborhood by scrubbing it with your old tooth brush.

10.  Did you notice a few gray hair sprouting from the hairline?  Old toothbrushes were made for touch-up dye jobs; works for dyeing your eyebrows, too!

If you have any other suggestions for the use of an old toothbrush or are in need of an appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,
DRT

Summer Smiles: The Dental Connection!

Summer brings sunshine and warm weather, and many patients start thinking about brightening their smiles this time of year.  A whiter smile is only one visit away!

Teeth whitening is safe, quick, and inexpensive.  It can be used to correct many tooth discolorations, which may have been caused by staining, aging, or chemical damage to teeth.  Using the latest in whitening technology, a safe method for creating the beautiful smile that you have always wanted can be achieved.

If you have any questions about which teeth whitening option is best for your case of if you are in need of an appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,
DRT

Summer Sports: The Dental Connection!

With the warmer and longer days here, many people become more active during the summer.  Although most summertime athletes have already hit the field for fun, take a look at the following precautions to take when it comes to keeping your teeth safe as you enjoy playing your favorite sports.

USE A MOUTHGUARD

If your kids participate in contact sports this summer, make sure that that they wear a properly fitted mouthguard.  Athletes can avoid serious mouth and jaw injuries by using a mouthguard.

BE MINDFUL OF SPORTS DRINKS

While sports drinks can be refreshing after a game, they unfortunately contain high levels of sugar and citric acid, which are known to erode or dissolve the teeth and reduce the minerals in the outer tooth enamel.  The simplest way to prevent sports drinks from damaging your teeth is to avoid them completely and drink water instead.  Water is a great option to keep you hydrated before, during, or after the game.

If you have any questions about keeping your mouth healthy while participating in summer sports, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,
DRT